US6833420B1 - Film for wrapping - Google Patents
Film for wrapping Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US6833420B1 US6833420B1 US09/719,086 US71908601A US6833420B1 US 6833420 B1 US6833420 B1 US 6833420B1 US 71908601 A US71908601 A US 71908601A US 6833420 B1 US6833420 B1 US 6833420B1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- film
- meth
- acrylic acid
- wrapping
- stretch
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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- CERQOIWHTDAKMF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methacrylic acid Chemical compound CC(=C)C(O)=O CERQOIWHTDAKMF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 63
- 229920001897 terpolymer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 43
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethene Chemical compound C=C VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 239000005977 Ethylene Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 239000011342 resin composition Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 229920000554 ionomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 48
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 19
- 229910052783 alkali metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 9
- 150000001340 alkali metals Chemical class 0.000 claims description 9
- 125000004432 carbon atom Chemical group C* 0.000 claims description 5
- 125000000217 alkyl group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 9
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 21
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 21
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 11
- -1 alkyl methacrylate Chemical compound 0.000 description 7
- CFVWNXQPGQOHRJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-methylpropyl prop-2-enoate Chemical compound CC(C)COC(=O)C=C CFVWNXQPGQOHRJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 239000013032 Hydrocarbon resin Substances 0.000 description 6
- PPBRXRYQALVLMV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Styrene Chemical compound C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 PPBRXRYQALVLMV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 6
- 229920006270 hydrocarbon resin Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 6
- 229920005601 base polymer Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 235000014113 dietary fatty acids Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- 230000001747 exhibiting effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 229930195729 fatty acid Natural products 0.000 description 5
- 239000000194 fatty acid Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 5
- 150000001455 metallic ions Chemical class 0.000 description 5
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 5
- DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M Ilexoside XXIX Chemical compound C[C@@H]1CC[C@@]2(CC[C@@]3(C(=CC[C@H]4[C@]3(CC[C@@H]5[C@@]4(CC[C@@H](C5(C)C)OS(=O)(=O)[O-])C)C)[C@@H]2[C@]1(C)O)C)C(=O)O[C@H]6[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O6)CO)O)O)O.[Na+] DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M 0.000 description 4
- 150000001732 carboxylic acid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 description 4
- 239000008188 pellet Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 description 4
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 3
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylic acid group Chemical group C(C=C)(=O)O NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000006116 polymerization reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000009257 reactivity Effects 0.000 description 3
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 230000037303 wrinkles Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 description 3
- 208000032544 Cicatrix Diseases 0.000 description 2
- BAPJBEWLBFYGME-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methyl acrylate Chemical compound COC(=O)C=C BAPJBEWLBFYGME-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052784 alkaline earth metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 150000001342 alkaline earth metals Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000005187 foaming Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910021645 metal ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 231100000241 scar Toxicity 0.000 description 2
- 230000037387 scars Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000003505 terpenes Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 235000007586 terpenes Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- RUMACXVDVNRZJZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-methylpropyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate Chemical compound CC(C)COC(=O)C(C)=C RUMACXVDVNRZJZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- DXPPIEDUBFUSEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 6-methylheptyl prop-2-enoate Chemical compound CC(C)CCCCCOC(=O)C=C DXPPIEDUBFUSEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RSWGJHLUYNHPMX-UHFFFAOYSA-N Abietic-Saeure Natural products C12CCC(C(C)C)=CC2=CCC2C1(C)CCCC2(C)C(O)=O RSWGJHLUYNHPMX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-M Acrylate Chemical compound [O-]C(=O)C=C NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 229920002126 Acrylic acid copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-M Bicarbonate Chemical compound OC([O-])=O BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-L Carbonate Chemical compound [O-]C([O-])=O BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- JIGUQPWFLRLWPJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethyl acrylate Chemical compound CCOC(=O)C=C JIGUQPWFLRLWPJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- IAYPIBMASNFSPL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethylene oxide Chemical compound C1CO1 IAYPIBMASNFSPL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerol Natural products OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium Chemical compound [Li] WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Magnesium Chemical compound [Mg] FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- VVQNEPGJFQJSBK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methyl methacrylate Chemical compound COC(=O)C(C)=C VVQNEPGJFQJSBK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Potassium Chemical compound [K] ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- KHPCPRHQVVSZAH-HUOMCSJISA-N Rosin Natural products O(C/C=C/c1ccccc1)[C@H]1[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O1 KHPCPRHQVVSZAH-HUOMCSJISA-N 0.000 description 1
- 125000002723 alicyclic group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 125000001931 aliphatic group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 229920006271 aliphatic hydrocarbon resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 125000005250 alkyl acrylate group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 230000003712 anti-aging effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003963 antioxidant agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003078 antioxidant effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002216 antistatic agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006272 aromatic hydrocarbon resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 125000003118 aryl group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 239000002585 base Substances 0.000 description 1
- CQEYYJKEWSMYFG-UHFFFAOYSA-N butyl acrylate Chemical compound CCCCOC(=O)C=C CQEYYJKEWSMYFG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 150000001733 carboxylic acid esters Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 125000002091 cationic group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 238000003776 cleavage reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920006026 co-polymeric resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000000354 decomposition reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002542 deteriorative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229940105990 diglycerin Drugs 0.000 description 1
- GPLRAVKSCUXZTP-UHFFFAOYSA-N diglycerol Chemical compound OCC(O)COCC(O)CO GPLRAVKSCUXZTP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013399 edible fruits Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- SUPCQIBBMFXVTL-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate Chemical compound CCOC(=O)C(C)=C SUPCQIBBMFXVTL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920006242 ethylene acrylic acid copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001038 ethylene copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- STVZJERGLQHEKB-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethylene glycol dimethacrylate Chemical compound CC(=C)C(=O)OCCOC(=O)C(C)=C STVZJERGLQHEKB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920006248 expandable polystyrene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 150000004665 fatty acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000011187 glycerol Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000012760 heat stabilizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-M hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-] XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 125000000959 isobutyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])(C([H])([H])[H])C([H])([H])* 0.000 description 1
- 229910052744 lithium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052749 magnesium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011777 magnesium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013372 meat Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920003145 methacrylic acid copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229940117841 methacrylic acid copolymer Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 230000003472 neutralizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229940049964 oleate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- ZQPPMHVWECSIRJ-KTKRTIGZSA-N oleic acid Chemical compound CCCCCCCC\C=C/CCCCCCCC(O)=O ZQPPMHVWECSIRJ-KTKRTIGZSA-N 0.000 description 1
- PNJWIWWMYCMZRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N pent‐4‐en‐2‐one Natural products CC(=O)CC=C PNJWIWWMYCMZRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920005672 polyolefin resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910052700 potassium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011591 potassium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- LYBIZMNPXTXVMV-UHFFFAOYSA-N propan-2-yl prop-2-enoate Chemical compound CC(C)OC(=O)C=C LYBIZMNPXTXVMV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000002407 reforming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007017 scission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000014102 seafood Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000344 soap Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007858 starting material Substances 0.000 description 1
- KHPCPRHQVVSZAH-UHFFFAOYSA-N trans-cinnamyl beta-D-glucopyranoside Natural products OC1C(O)C(O)C(CO)OC1OCC=CC1=CC=CC=C1 KHPCPRHQVVSZAH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000006097 ultraviolet radiation absorber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013311 vegetables Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229940088594 vitamin Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229930003231 vitamin Natural products 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
- C08J—WORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
- C08J5/00—Manufacture of articles or shaped materials containing macromolecular substances
- C08J5/18—Manufacture of films or sheets
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
- C08J—WORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
- C08J2323/00—Characterised by the use of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Derivatives of such polymers
- C08J2323/02—Characterised by the use of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Derivatives of such polymers not modified by chemical after treatment
- C08J2323/04—Homopolymers or copolymers of ethene
- C08J2323/08—Copolymers of ethene
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a film for stretch-wrapping. More particularly, the invention relates to a film for stretch-wrapping comprising chiefly an ethylene—(meth)acrylic acid—(meth)acrylic acid ester terpolymer or a metal salt ionomer thereof.
- PVC films have heretofore been chiefly used as stretchable films (for wrapping foamed polystyrene trays containing foods) for business use such as in supermarkets and convenience stores. However, from the environmental viewpoints in recent years, it has been urged to provide a substitute for the PVC. In the field of stretchable films for stretch-wrapping, the PVC films have rapidly been substituted by the olefin resin films.
- Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 134591/1978 discloses a film for wrapping of an ethylene copolymer comprising (a) an ethylene, (b) an unsaturated carboxylic acid alkyl ester, (c) an unsaturated carboxylic acid and (d) a metal salt of an unsaturated carboxylic acid, the component (a) being contained in an amount of from 90 to 98 mol %, the component (b) being contained in an amount of from 9.7 to 2.0 mol %, the component (c) being contained in an amount of from 0 to 2.5 mol %, and the component (d) being contained in an amount of from 0.3 to 2.5 mol %.
- Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication for PCT application (Kohyo) No. 506820/1992 discloses a film for wrapping comprising:
- At least one surface of said film being treated with corona to a degree sufficient for producing a wet tensile force of 40 to 50 dynes/cm on the treated surface thereof.
- Japanese Examined Patent Publication (Kokoku) No. 100741/1995 discloses a film for stretch-wrapping obtained by inflation-molding an ethylene methacrylate copolymer resin containing 8 to 12% by weight of a methacrylic acid and having a tensile stress of 1.1 to 1.5 times in both the machine and transverse directions when stretched by 100% and having a tensile stress of 1.5 to 2.0 times in the transverse direction when stretched by 200% with respect to the stress of when it is stretched by 50%.
- Japanese Patent No. 2642583 discloses a film for stretch-wrapping comprising chiefly 50 to 99% by weight of an ethylene—(meth)acrylic acid copolymer resin and 50 to 1% by weight of an ethylene—(meth)acrylic acid—(meth)acrylic acid ester terpolymer resin and, optionally, containing an anti-fogging agent (a defogging agent) or a tackifier.
- an anti-fogging agent a defogging agent
- the above bipolymer alone or the terpolymer alone exhibits a 100% tensile stress that does not lie within a suitable range (110 to 170 kg/cm 2 in the machine direction of the film, and 60 to 110 kg/cm 2 in the transverse direction), and is not suited for the automatic wrapping.
- the ethylene—(meth)acrylic acid bipolymer generally has a high stiffness, whereas the ethylene—(meth)acrylic acid—(meth)acrylic acid ester terpolymer has a low stiffness and is soft. This holds even for the ionomers obtained by neutralizing the above copolymers with metal ions.
- the ionomer of the above bipolymer is called hard ionomer, and the ionomer of the above terpolymer is called soft ionomer.
- the film for stretch-wrapping disclosed in the specification of Japanese Patent No. 2642583 is obtained by mixing the above bipolymer and the terpolymer at a predetermined ratio so as to be suited for the automatic wrapping.
- these two copolymers are not necessarily compatible to each other and, hence, the external haze value tends to increase. Therefore, the film is not still satisfactory from the standpoint of seeing through the wrapped content.
- the film for stretch-wrapping is usually blended with an anti-fogging agent to improve the property for seeing through the content.
- an anti-fogging agent to improve the property for seeing through the content.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a film for stretch-wrapping that can be easily formed and easily treated, that is homogeneous even optically, exhibiting less external haze and enabling the content to be seen through.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide a film for stretch-wrapping, which suppresses the gelling tendency when it is blended with an anti-fogging agent without impairing the appearance or without being foamed during the working.
- a film for stretch-wrapping formed of a resin composition containing, as a chief component, an ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/(meth)acrylic acid ester terpolymer that contains not more than 7% by weight and, particularly, less than 5% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid ester unit, and, optionally, containing an anti-fogging agent or a tackifier.
- the terpolymer used in the present invention contains from 5 to 20% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid, and not less than 0.1% by weight but less than 5% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid ester.
- the film for stretch-wrapping can be prepared by the inflation method.
- the terpolymer used in the invention can be molded into a film by the T-die method offering an advantage that the film can be produced at a high speed.
- a film for stretch-wrapping formed of a resin composition containing, as a chief component, an ionomer obtained by ionizing an ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/(meth)acrylic acid ester terpolymer that contains less than 5% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid ester unit, and, optionally, containing an anti-fogging agent or a tackifier.
- the ionomer used in the invention uses, as a base, a copolymer that contains from 5 to 20% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid and not less than 0.1% by weight but less than 5% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid ester, and has an ionization degree of from 0.1 to 30%.
- This ionomer too, has an advantage that it can be molded into a film by the T-die method.
- the present invention uses an ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/(meth)acrylic acid ester terpolymer or an alkali metal ionomer thereof as a resin for the film for stretch-wrapping, containing a (meth)acrylic acid ester in a limited amount such as not larger than 7% by weight and, particularly, smaller than 5% by weight.
- the film for stretch-wrapping formed of the terpolymer or the ionomer thereof exhibits a stress of generally from 20 to 40 MPa (196 to 392 kg/cm 2 ) when stretched by 100% in the machine direction, which is a value considerably higher than that of the traditionally used films for stretch-wrapping, thus exhibiting excellent mechanical properties and adaptability to stretch-wrapping.
- the film for stretch-wrapping exhibits not only improved mechanical strength in the machine direction and excellent moldability but also distinguished advantage of decreasing the thickness of the film, decreased film breakage at the time of wrapping, excellent tear-off property in the transverse direction of the film, excellent adhesiveness to the container walls that are to be wrapped, and excellent restoration after depressed and deformed as a result of wrapping.
- the resin for film used in the invention is prepared by the direct polymerization of an ethylene, a (meth)acrylic acid and a (meth)acrylic acid ester, and has very homogeneous composition and distribution as compared with a resin composition prepared by blending a bipolymer and a terpolymer, can be favorably molded into the film and can be favorably worked.
- the film for stretch-wrapping that is formed is homogeneous even optically, exhibiting less external haze and offering advantage that the content can be favorably seen through.
- the present invention uses the ionomer of the above terpolymer.
- the ionomer is the one that is neutralized with an alkali metal.
- the ionomer has a structure in which the copolymer is ionically crosslinked at the portions of acid groups, and it is believed that the ionically crosslinked structure helps improve the above-mentioned adaptability to stretch-wrapping without spoiling the moldability into films.
- a cationic seed used for introducing the ionically crosslinked structure there can be used an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal or zinc.
- an alkali metal is selected as a metal seed for the ionomer, suppressing the reaction with the anti-fogging agent and improving the film-forming property and appearance.
- the present invention uses an ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/(meth)acrylic acid ester terpolymer containing not more than 7% by weight and, most desirably, from 0.1 to (less than) 5% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid ester.
- the film When the bipolymer without containing the (meth)acrylic acid ester unit is used, the film exhibits increased stiffness and is broken at the time of wrapping and is restored little after the film is depressed and deformed as a result of wrapping.
- the object of the present invention is not accomplished which is to provide a high-stress film for stretch-wrapping, and the adaptability to stretch-wrapping decreases.
- examples of the (meth)acrylic acid ester used for the terpolymer include methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, isopropyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, isooctyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate and isobutyl methacrylate.
- (meth)acrylic acid esters there can be preferably used a (meth)acrylic acid ester in which the alkyl group has 1 to 10 carbon atoms and, particularly, an isobutyl (meth)acrylate.
- the terpolymer contains the (meth)acrylic acid in an amount of from 5 to 20% by weight and, preferably, from 8 to 15% by weight.
- the terpolymer has a melt flow rate (JIS K6760) of from 0.1 to 100 g/10 minutes and, particularly, from 0.2 to 30 g/10 minutes from the standpoint of mechanical properties of the film and moldability into films.
- JIS K6760 melt flow rate
- the terpolymer used in the present invention is prepared by the direct polymerization of an ethylene, a (meth)acrylic acid and a (meth)acrylic acid ester like the method of preparing a high-pressure method polyethylene.
- the alkali metal ionomer of the terpolymer is used as the resin for forming the film.
- the terpolymer has the composition and properties as described above.
- the ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/(meth)acrylic acid ester terpolymer has an ionization degree of from 0.1 to 30%, preferably, from 0.1 to 10% and, particularly preferably, from 0.1 to 5%.
- the ionization degree exceeds the above range, the ionomer absorbs moisture developing inconvenience such as foaming at the time of machining.
- the alkali metal in the ionomer there can be exemplified lithium, sodium and potassium.
- the terpolymer can be ionized by using various kinds of compounds of an alkali metal, such as oxide, hydroxide, carbonate, bicarbonate, salt of fatty acid and the like.
- the ionization is conducted in accordance with a widely known method of preparing ionomers.
- the ionomer has a melt flow rate (JIS K6760) of from 0.1 to 100 g/10 min. and, particularly, from 0.2 to 30 g/10 min. from the standpoint of mechanical properties and moldability into films.
- JIS K6760 melt flow rate
- the film for stretch-wrapping can be prepared by melt-extruding the above-mentioned terpolymer or the ionomer thereof and molding it into a film.
- the resin for forming the film comprises, as a chief component, the above-mentioned terpolymer or the ionomer thereof.
- the film may comprise greater than 50 wt %, preferably greater than 70 wt % of the terpolymer or the ionomer thereof.
- the resin for forming the film consists essentially of the terpolymer or the ionomer thereof.
- the resin for forming the film may be optionally blended with an anti-fogging agent for better see through of the content irrespective of the presence of water or a tackifier for imparting tackiness to the film.
- anti-fogging agent there can be exemplified any anti-fogging agent that has been known per se. such as the one of the type of glycerin fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester, di- or polyglycerin fatty acid ester and ethylene oxide adduct, to which only, however, the anti-fogging agent is in no way limited.
- the anti-fogging agent can be blended in an amount of from 0.1 to 10 parts by weight and, particularly, from 0.1 to 8 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the resin for forming the film.
- tackifier there can be exemplified aliphatic hydrocarbon resin, aromatic hydrocarbon resin, aliphatic/aromatic copolymerizable hydrocarbon resin, alicyclic hydrocarbon resin, synthetic terpene hydrocarbon resin, terpene hydrocarbon resin, cumarone-indene hydrocarbon resin, low-molecular styrene resin, rosin hydrocarbon resin, or combinations thereof, to which only, however, the tackifier is not limited, as a matter of course.
- the tackifier can be blended in an amount of from 0.1 to 15 parts by weight and, particularly, from 0.1 to 10 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the resin for forming the film.
- the resin for forming the film of the present invention can be blended with widely known resin blending agents, such as coloring agent, heat stabilizer, weather resistance stabilizer, antioxidant, anti-aging agent, photo-stabilizer, ultraviolet absorber, anti-static agent, lubricant such as metal soap or wax, reforming resin or rubber, and the like according to a known recipe.
- resin blending agents such as coloring agent, heat stabilizer, weather resistance stabilizer, antioxidant, anti-aging agent, photo-stabilizer, ultraviolet absorber, anti-static agent, lubricant such as metal soap or wax, reforming resin or rubber, and the like according to a known recipe.
- the film for stretch-wrapping of the present invention has a feature in that it exhibits a stress of from 20 to 40 MPa when it is stretched by 100% in the machine direction (MD) thus exhibiting a stress that lies within a high range when it is stretched in the mechanical direction.
- MD machine direction
- the film for stretch-wrapping of the present invention exhibits a stress that is suppressed to lie within a low range of from 5 to 20 MPz when it is stretched by 100% in the transverse direction (TD).
- the film for stretch-wrapping of the present invention exhibits a ratio (MD/TD) of the stress in the machine direction to the stress in the transverse direction of from 2 to 8 when it is stretched by 100%, featuring a large anisotropy in the tensile stress and, hence, offering advantage as described above and advantage in the productivity as will be described later.
- the film for stretch-wrapping of the invention exhibits a large tensile stress in the machine direction and permits the thickness of the film to be considerably decreased.
- the film can be used having a thickness of, generally, from 5 to 20 ⁇ m and, particularly, from 7 to 18 ⁇ m though it may vary depending upon the applications.
- the film for stretch-wrapping of the invention can be produced by the inflation method.
- the terpolymer used in the invention can be formed into a film by the T-die method at a high speed, which is an advantage.
- the resin is heated at a temperature higher than its melting point but lower than its decomposition temperature, and is, generally, heated over a range of from 180 to 240° C.
- the terpolymer or the ionomer thereof is formed into the film by the T-die cast method, and the film that is formed is taken up at a high speed so as to be stretched in the machine direction. According to the present invention, therefore, the film can be produced at a speed of 150 m/min or faster, which is superior in the productivity to the production at a speed of 50 m/min. at the greatest by the inflation method.
- the terpolymer and the ionomer thereof used in the present invention exhibits excellent moldability, and give no inconvenience when it is molded into a film for stretch-wrapping even by the inflation method.
- Ethylene/methacrylic acid/isobutyl acrylate copolymer (E/MAA/iBA).
- Methacrylic acid 10% by weight Isobutyl acrylate 3% by weight MFR 8.5 g/10 min.
- the working temperature was set to 225° C. (resin temperature) and the thickness of the film was selected to be 12 ⁇ m. Further, the take-up speed was set to be 165 m/min.
- the working temperature was set to 200° C. (resin temperature) and the thickness of the film was selected to be 12 ⁇ m. Further, the take-up speed was set to be 20 m/min.
- the saturated amount of water was measured when the pellets were left to stand on the site of working.
- ⁇ The saturated amount of water was smaller than 1000 ppm in an atmosphere of 30° C., 90% RH.
- the films that were formed were measured for their film properties under the following conditions.
- the wrapping test was conducted by using trays of a foamed styrene and an automatic wrapping machine (AW-3600 manufactured by Teraoka Seikosha Co.) to evaluate the following items. The results were as shown in Tables 1 and 2.
- the film was cut using a paper saw or a metal saw to evaluate the easiness of cutting.
- the wrapping test was conducted while variously changing the tension of the film to observe the appearance.
- the upper surface of the film wrapping the container was depressed with a predetermined pressure by a finger. The finger was then released so that the film restored, and the mark made by the finger was observed.
- Example 1 Example 2
- Example 3 Example 4 Resin E/MAA/iBA E/MAA/iBA ionomer ⁇ circle around (1) ⁇ ionomer ⁇ circle around (2) ⁇ Working method T-die inflation T-die inflation Reactivity ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ with anti- fogging agent Cutting ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ property of film Appearance ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ of film Hygroscopic ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ property of pellets Film properties Tensile stress 50% 20/6.6 17/7.0 21/6.7 18/7.1 (MD/TD) 100% 25/7.2 22/7.5 26/7.5 23/7.7 [Mpa] 200% —/8.8 —/8.8 —/8.9 —/8.6 Adaptability ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ to wrapping machine Cutting property Breakage ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ Wrinkles ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ Restoration ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ after depressed with finger
- an ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/(meth)acrylic acid ester terpolymer containing a (meth)acrylic acid ester in an amount within a predetermined range or an ionomer thereof is used for a film for stretch-wrapping. Therefore, the film for stretch-wrapping exhibits a large tensile stress in the machine direction, excellent mechanical properties and excellent adaptability to stretch-wrapping.
- the film breaks little during the wrapping can be favorably torn off in the transverse direction, intimately and favorably adheres onto the walls of the container that is to be wrapped, and favorably restores after depressed and deformed as a result of wrapping.
- the resin for forming the film is produced by the direct polymerization of the above-mentioned three components, has a homogeneous composition, can be favorably molded into a film and can be favorably worked. Besides, the film for stretch-wrapping that is formed is homogeneous even optically, exhibits less external haze and excellently permits the content to be seen through.
- the gelling tendency is suppressed when the anti-fogging agent is blended, exhibiting excellent appearance and hygroscopic property.
- the film for stretch-wrapping of the invention is useful for wrapping sea foods, meats, vegetables, fruits and daily dishes placed on or contained in the plastic trays.
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Abstract
A film having a large tensile stress in the machine direction, excellent mechanical properties and stretch-wrapping property, and that is less broken at the time of wrapping, can be favorably torn off in the transverse direction, can be intimately adhered on the container walls to be wrapped, and excellently restores its shape after it is depressed and deformed as a result of wrapping. The film for stretch-wrapping is formed of a resin composition containing, as a chief component, an ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/(meth)acrylic acid ester terpolymer that contains not more than 7% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid ester unit, and, optionally, containing an anti-fogging agent or a tackifier.
Description
This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 11-103239 filed on Apr. 9, 1999, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to a film for stretch-wrapping. More particularly, the invention relates to a film for stretch-wrapping comprising chiefly an ethylene—(meth)acrylic acid—(meth)acrylic acid ester terpolymer or a metal salt ionomer thereof.
PVC films have heretofore been chiefly used as stretchable films (for wrapping foamed polystyrene trays containing foods) for business use such as in supermarkets and convenience stores. However, from the environmental viewpoints in recent years, it has been urged to provide a substitute for the PVC. In the field of stretchable films for stretch-wrapping, the PVC films have rapidly been substituted by the olefin resin films.
Many films for stretch-wrapping have so far been proposed using an ethylene/unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer, an ethylene/unsaturated carboxylic acid/unsaturated carboxylic acid ester terpolymer or an ionomer thereof.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 134591/1978 discloses a film for wrapping of an ethylene copolymer comprising (a) an ethylene, (b) an unsaturated carboxylic acid alkyl ester, (c) an unsaturated carboxylic acid and (d) a metal salt of an unsaturated carboxylic acid, the component (a) being contained in an amount of from 90 to 98 mol %, the component (b) being contained in an amount of from 9.7 to 2.0 mol %, the component (c) being contained in an amount of from 0 to 2.5 mol %, and the component (d) being contained in an amount of from 0.3 to 2.5 mol %.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication for PCT application (Kohyo) No. 506820/1992 discloses a film for wrapping comprising:
(a) at least 80% of a terpolymer of at least 50% by weight of an ethylene, 2 to 20% by weight of an unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, and 2 to 20% by weight of at least one kind of an alkyl acrylate or an alkyl methacrylate in which the alkyl group has 2 to 12 carbon atoms, or a moiety derived from a mixture thereof, 0 to 10% of the acid group of the acid group-containing moiety thereof being neutralized with at least one kind of metal ions; and
(b) 0.1 to 2% by weight of at least one kind of a sorbitan fatty acid ester;
at least one surface of said film being treated with corona to a degree sufficient for producing a wet tensile force of 40 to 50 dynes/cm on the treated surface thereof.
Japanese Examined Patent Publication (Kokoku) No. 100741/1995 discloses a film for stretch-wrapping obtained by inflation-molding an ethylene methacrylate copolymer resin containing 8 to 12% by weight of a methacrylic acid and having a tensile stress of 1.1 to 1.5 times in both the machine and transverse directions when stretched by 100% and having a tensile stress of 1.5 to 2.0 times in the transverse direction when stretched by 200% with respect to the stress of when it is stretched by 50%.
Japanese Patent No. 2642583 discloses a film for stretch-wrapping comprising chiefly 50 to 99% by weight of an ethylene—(meth)acrylic acid copolymer resin and 50 to 1% by weight of an ethylene—(meth)acrylic acid—(meth)acrylic acid ester terpolymer resin and, optionally, containing an anti-fogging agent (a defogging agent) or a tackifier. There have been described that the above bipolymer alone or the terpolymer alone exhibits a 100% tensile stress that does not lie within a suitable range (110 to 170 kg/cm2 in the machine direction of the film, and 60 to 110 kg/cm2 in the transverse direction), and is not suited for the automatic wrapping.
The ethylene—(meth)acrylic acid bipolymer generally has a high stiffness, whereas the ethylene—(meth)acrylic acid—(meth)acrylic acid ester terpolymer has a low stiffness and is soft. This holds even for the ionomers obtained by neutralizing the above copolymers with metal ions. The ionomer of the above bipolymer is called hard ionomer, and the ionomer of the above terpolymer is called soft ionomer.
The film for stretch-wrapping disclosed in the specification of Japanese Patent No. 2642583 is obtained by mixing the above bipolymer and the terpolymer at a predetermined ratio so as to be suited for the automatic wrapping. However, these two copolymers are not necessarily compatible to each other and, hence, the external haze value tends to increase. Therefore, the film is not still satisfactory from the standpoint of seeing through the wrapped content.
Further, the film for stretch-wrapping is usually blended with an anti-fogging agent to improve the property for seeing through the content. When the ionomers of the above-mentioned copolymers are used, however, gel tends to be formed during the molding operation with the passage of time, making it difficult to prepare the film itself.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a film constituted by the above-mentioned terpolymer or an ionomer thereof, having a large tensile stress in the machine direction, excellent mechanical properties and stretch-wrapping property, i.e., to provide a film for stretch-wrapping that is less broken at the time of wrapping, that can be favorably torn off in the transverse direction, that can be intimately adhered on the container walls to be wrapped, and that excellently restores its shape after it is depressed and deformed as a result of wrapping.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a film for stretch-wrapping that can be easily formed and easily treated, that is homogeneous even optically, exhibiting less external haze and enabling the content to be seen through.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a film for stretch-wrapping, which suppresses the gelling tendency when it is blended with an anti-fogging agent without impairing the appearance or without being foamed during the working.
According to the present invention, there is provided a film for stretch-wrapping formed of a resin composition containing, as a chief component, an ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/(meth)acrylic acid ester terpolymer that contains not more than 7% by weight and, particularly, less than 5% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid ester unit, and, optionally, containing an anti-fogging agent or a tackifier.
It is desired that the terpolymer used in the present invention contains from 5 to 20% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid, and not less than 0.1% by weight but less than 5% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid ester.
The film for stretch-wrapping can be prepared by the inflation method. However, the terpolymer used in the invention can be molded into a film by the T-die method offering an advantage that the film can be produced at a high speed.
According to the present invention, there is further provided a film for stretch-wrapping formed of a resin composition containing, as a chief component, an ionomer obtained by ionizing an ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/(meth)acrylic acid ester terpolymer that contains less than 5% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid ester unit, and, optionally, containing an anti-fogging agent or a tackifier.
It is desired that the ionomer used in the invention uses, as a base, a copolymer that contains from 5 to 20% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid and not less than 0.1% by weight but less than 5% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid ester, and has an ionization degree of from 0.1 to 30%.
This ionomer, too, has an advantage that it can be molded into a film by the T-die method.
[Action]
The present invention uses an ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/(meth)acrylic acid ester terpolymer or an alkali metal ionomer thereof as a resin for the film for stretch-wrapping, containing a (meth)acrylic acid ester in a limited amount such as not larger than 7% by weight and, particularly, smaller than 5% by weight.
As will be described later in Examples appearing later, it was learned that the film for stretch-wrapping formed of the terpolymer or the ionomer thereof exhibits a stress of generally from 20 to 40 MPa (196 to 392 kg/cm2) when stretched by 100% in the machine direction, which is a value considerably higher than that of the traditionally used films for stretch-wrapping, thus exhibiting excellent mechanical properties and adaptability to stretch-wrapping.
That is, the film for stretch-wrapping exhibits not only improved mechanical strength in the machine direction and excellent moldability but also distinguished advantage of decreasing the thickness of the film, decreased film breakage at the time of wrapping, excellent tear-off property in the transverse direction of the film, excellent adhesiveness to the container walls that are to be wrapped, and excellent restoration after depressed and deformed as a result of wrapping.
The resin for film used in the invention is prepared by the direct polymerization of an ethylene, a (meth)acrylic acid and a (meth)acrylic acid ester, and has very homogeneous composition and distribution as compared with a resin composition prepared by blending a bipolymer and a terpolymer, can be favorably molded into the film and can be favorably worked. Besides, the film for stretch-wrapping that is formed is homogeneous even optically, exhibiting less external haze and offering advantage that the content can be favorably seen through.
The present invention uses the ionomer of the above terpolymer. Here, however, it is important that the ionomer is the one that is neutralized with an alkali metal. The ionomer has a structure in which the copolymer is ionically crosslinked at the portions of acid groups, and it is believed that the ionically crosslinked structure helps improve the above-mentioned adaptability to stretch-wrapping without spoiling the moldability into films. As a cationic seed used for introducing the ionically crosslinked structure, there can be used an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal or zinc. In the ionomer using zinc or alkaline earth metal, however, there takes place a reaction with the anti-fogging agent blended in the film, deteriorating the film-forming property and appearance. According to the present invention, on the other hand, an alkali metal is selected as a metal seed for the ionomer, suppressing the reaction with the anti-fogging agent and improving the film-forming property and appearance.
[Terpolymer]
The present invention uses an ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/(meth)acrylic acid ester terpolymer containing not more than 7% by weight and, most desirably, from 0.1 to (less than) 5% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid ester.
When the bipolymer without containing the (meth)acrylic acid ester unit is used, the film exhibits increased stiffness and is broken at the time of wrapping and is restored little after the film is depressed and deformed as a result of wrapping.
When the content of the (meth)acrylic acid ester exceeds the above range, on the other hand, the object of the present invention is not accomplished which is to provide a high-stress film for stretch-wrapping, and the adaptability to stretch-wrapping decreases.
In the present invention, examples of the (meth)acrylic acid ester used for the terpolymer include methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, isopropyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, isooctyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate and isobutyl methacrylate.
Among these (meth)acrylic acid esters, there can be preferably used a (meth)acrylic acid ester in which the alkyl group has 1 to 10 carbon atoms and, particularly, an isobutyl (meth)acrylate.
It is desired that the terpolymer contains the (meth)acrylic acid in an amount of from 5 to 20% by weight and, preferably, from 8 to 15% by weight.
When the content of the (meth)acrylic acid is smaller than the above range, the stress when the film is stretched tends to become smaller than the above range. When the content of the (meth)acrylic acid is larger than the above range, on the other hand, the stress when the film is stretched tends to exceed the above range. In either case, the adaptability to stretch-wrapping becomes inferior as compared to when the content lies within the above-mentioned range.
It is desired that the terpolymer has a melt flow rate (JIS K6760) of from 0.1 to 100 g/10 minutes and, particularly, from 0.2 to 30 g/10 minutes from the standpoint of mechanical properties of the film and moldability into films.
The terpolymer used in the present invention is prepared by the direct polymerization of an ethylene, a (meth)acrylic acid and a (meth)acrylic acid ester like the method of preparing a high-pressure method polyethylene.
[Ionomer]
In the present invention, the alkali metal ionomer of the terpolymer, too, is used as the resin for forming the film. The terpolymer has the composition and properties as described above.
The ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/(meth)acrylic acid ester terpolymer has an ionization degree of from 0.1 to 30%, preferably, from 0.1 to 10% and, particularly preferably, from 0.1 to 5%.
When the ionization degree exceeds the above range, the ionomer absorbs moisture developing inconvenience such as foaming at the time of machining.
The importance for using the alkali metal as an ionic seed for the ionomer was described already. As the alkali metal in the ionomer, there can be exemplified lithium, sodium and potassium.
The terpolymer can be ionized by using various kinds of compounds of an alkali metal, such as oxide, hydroxide, carbonate, bicarbonate, salt of fatty acid and the like. The ionization is conducted in accordance with a widely known method of preparing ionomers.
It is desired that the ionomer has a melt flow rate (JIS K6760) of from 0.1 to 100 g/10 min. and, particularly, from 0.2 to 30 g/10 min. from the standpoint of mechanical properties and moldability into films.
[Film for Stretch-wrapping and Method of its Preparation]
The film for stretch-wrapping can be prepared by melt-extruding the above-mentioned terpolymer or the ionomer thereof and molding it into a film.
The resin for forming the film comprises, as a chief component, the above-mentioned terpolymer or the ionomer thereof. Concretely, the film may comprise greater than 50 wt %, preferably greater than 70 wt % of the terpolymer or the ionomer thereof. Most preferably, the resin for forming the film consists essentially of the terpolymer or the ionomer thereof.
The resin for forming the film may be optionally blended with an anti-fogging agent for better see through of the content irrespective of the presence of water or a tackifier for imparting tackiness to the film.
As the anti-fogging agent, there can be exemplified any anti-fogging agent that has been known per se. such as the one of the type of glycerin fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester, di- or polyglycerin fatty acid ester and ethylene oxide adduct, to which only, however, the anti-fogging agent is in no way limited.
The anti-fogging agent can be blended in an amount of from 0.1 to 10 parts by weight and, particularly, from 0.1 to 8 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the resin for forming the film.
As the tackifier, there can be exemplified aliphatic hydrocarbon resin, aromatic hydrocarbon resin, aliphatic/aromatic copolymerizable hydrocarbon resin, alicyclic hydrocarbon resin, synthetic terpene hydrocarbon resin, terpene hydrocarbon resin, cumarone-indene hydrocarbon resin, low-molecular styrene resin, rosin hydrocarbon resin, or combinations thereof, to which only, however, the tackifier is not limited, as a matter of course.
The tackifier can be blended in an amount of from 0.1 to 15 parts by weight and, particularly, from 0.1 to 10 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the resin for forming the film.
The resin for forming the film of the present invention can be blended with widely known resin blending agents, such as coloring agent, heat stabilizer, weather resistance stabilizer, antioxidant, anti-aging agent, photo-stabilizer, ultraviolet absorber, anti-static agent, lubricant such as metal soap or wax, reforming resin or rubber, and the like according to a known recipe.
The film for stretch-wrapping of the present invention has a feature in that it exhibits a stress of from 20 to 40 MPa when it is stretched by 100% in the machine direction (MD) thus exhibiting a stress that lies within a high range when it is stretched in the mechanical direction.
The film for stretch-wrapping of the present invention, on the other hand, exhibits a stress that is suppressed to lie within a low range of from 5 to 20 MPz when it is stretched by 100% in the transverse direction (TD).
Thus, the film for stretch-wrapping of the present invention exhibits a ratio (MD/TD) of the stress in the machine direction to the stress in the transverse direction of from 2 to 8 when it is stretched by 100%, featuring a large anisotropy in the tensile stress and, hence, offering advantage as described above and advantage in the productivity as will be described later.
The film for stretch-wrapping of the invention exhibits a large tensile stress in the machine direction and permits the thickness of the film to be considerably decreased. The film can be used having a thickness of, generally, from 5 to 20 μm and, particularly, from 7 to 18 μm though it may vary depending upon the applications.
The film for stretch-wrapping of the invention can be produced by the inflation method. However, the terpolymer used in the invention can be formed into a film by the T-die method at a high speed, which is an advantage.
In forming the film, the resin is heated at a temperature higher than its melting point but lower than its decomposition temperature, and is, generally, heated over a range of from 180 to 240° C.
That is, the terpolymer or the ionomer thereof is formed into the film by the T-die cast method, and the film that is formed is taken up at a high speed so as to be stretched in the machine direction. According to the present invention, therefore, the film can be produced at a speed of 150 m/min or faster, which is superior in the productivity to the production at a speed of 50 m/min. at the greatest by the inflation method.
The terpolymer and the ionomer thereof used in the present invention exhibits excellent moldability, and give no inconvenience when it is molded into a film for stretch-wrapping even by the inflation method.
The present invention will now be concretely described by way of Examples to which only, however, the invention is in no way limited.
(1) Ethylene/methacrylic acid/isobutyl acrylate copolymer (E/MAA/iBA).
| Methacrylic acid | 10% by weight | ||
| Isobutyl acrylate | 3% by weight | ||
| MFR | 8.5 g/10 min. | ||
(2) Ionomer {circle around (1)}
Base polymer: ethylene/methacrylic acid/isobutyl acrylate copolymer (methacrylic acid=10% by weight, isobutyl acrylate=3% by weight)
| Metallic ion seed | sodium | ||
| Ionization degree | 2% | ||
| MFR | 7.9 g/10 min. | ||
(3) Ionomer {circle around (2)}
Base polymer: ethylene/methacrylic acid/isobutyl acrylate copolymer (methacrylic acid=10% by weight, isobutyl acrylate=10% by weight)
| Metallic ion seed | sodium | ||
| Ionization degree | 36% | ||
| MFR | 1.1 g/10 min. | ||
(4) Ionomer {circle around (3)}
Base polymer: ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer (methacrylic acid=10% by weight)
| Metallic ion seed | sodium | ||
| Ionization degree | 50% | ||
| MFR | 1.3 g/10 min. | ||
(5) Ionomer {circle around (4)}
Base polymer: ethylene/methacrylic acid/isobutyl acrylate copolymer (methacrylic acid=10% by weight, isobutyl acrylate=3% by weight)
| Metallic ion seed | magnesium | ||
| Ionization degree | 2% | ||
| MFR | 8.0 g/10 min. | ||
(6) Ionomer {circle around (5)}
Base polymer: ethylene/methacrylic acid/isobutyl acrylate copolymer (methacrylic acid=10% by weight, isobutyl acrylate=3% by weight)
| Metallic ion seed | zinc | ||
| Ionization degree | 2% | ||
| MFR | 8.0 g/10 min. | ||
A mixture of 98% by weight of the above resin and 2% by weight of a diglycerin oleate (O-71DE manufactured by Riken Vitamin Co.) was formed into films using the apparatuses described below.
| * T-die method. |
| Extruder | 65 mm in diameter (L/D = 32) | ||
| screw full-flighted type | |||
| Die | coat hanger type (900 mm wide) | ||
The working temperature was set to 225° C. (resin temperature) and the thickness of the film was selected to be 12 μm. Further, the take-up speed was set to be 165 m/min.
| *Inflation method. |
| Extruder | 50 mm in diameter (L/D = 28) | ||
| screw 3-stage type | |||
| Die | 150 mm in diameter, spiral type | ||
The working temperature was set to 200° C. (resin temperature) and the thickness of the film was selected to be 12 μm. Further, the take-up speed was set to be 20 m/min.
Moldability during the working was evaluated concerning the following items. The results were as shown in Tables 1 and 2.
(1) Reactivity with the Anti-fogging Agent.
It was examined whether a gel was formed upon the reaction with the anti-fogging agent during the molding.
∘: No gel was formed
X: Gel was formed with the passage of time
(2) Cleavage in the Film.
It was examined whether the film was cleaved due to scars in the film during the molding.
∘: Could be stably worked at a high speed.
X: Cleaved along the scars during the working, and could not be stably worked at a high speed.
(3) Appearance of the Film.
The appearance of the film was examined during the molding.
∘: The film was maintained smooth.
X: The surface of the film became rugged due to gel and lumps.
The handling of the pellets used was evaluated concerning the following items. The results were as shown in Tables 1 and 2.
(1) Hygroscopic Property.
In order to evaluate defects such as foaming, etc. at the time of forming the ionomer into a film, the saturated amount of water was measured when the pellets were left to stand on the site of working.
∘: The saturated amount of water was smaller than 1000 ppm in an atmosphere of 30° C., 90% RH.
X: The saturated amount of water exceeded 1000 ppm under the same conditions.
The films that were formed were measured for their film properties under the following conditions.
(1) Stress of when the Film was Stretched.
Dumbbell No.1 dumbbell specified under JIS K7113 Crosshead speed 200 m/min.
The wrapping test was conducted by using trays of a foamed styrene and an automatic wrapping machine (AW-3600 manufactured by Teraoka Seikosha Co.) to evaluate the following items. The results were as shown in Tables 1 and 2.
(1) Film Cutting Property.
The film was cut using a paper saw or a metal saw to evaluate the easiness of cutting.
∘: The film was sharply cut in the transverse direction.
X: The film was not sharply cut in the transverse direction.
(2) Breakage of Film.
The wrapping test was conducted while variously changing the tension of the film to observe the appearance.
∘: The film was not broken.
X: The film was broken.
(3) Wrinkles on the Film when Packaged.
Adhesion to the foamed styrene container was observed.
∘: Film adhered tightly without floating.
X: Film floated.
(4) Restoring Property After Depressed with Fingers.
The upper surface of the film wrapping the container was depressed with a predetermined pressure by a finger. The finger was then released so that the film restored, and the mark made by the finger was observed.
∘: There remained no mark of finger.
X: There remained the mark of finger.
| TABLE 1 | |||||
| Example 1 | Example 2 | Example 3 | Example 4 | ||
| Resin | E/MAA/iBA | E/MAA/iBA | ionomer {circle around (1)} | ionomer |
| {circle around (2)} | ||||
| Working method | T-die | inflation | T-die | inflation |
| Reactivity | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| with anti- | ||||
| fogging agent | ||||
| Cutting | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| property of | ||||
| film | ||||
| Appearance | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| of film | ||||
| Hygroscopic | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| property of | ||||
| pellets | ||||
| Film properties | ||||
| Tensile stress | ||||
| 50% | 20/6.6 | 17/7.0 | 21/6.7 | 18/7.1 |
| (MD/TD) 100% | 25/7.2 | 22/7.5 | 26/7.5 | 23/7.7 |
| [Mpa] 200% | —/8.8 | —/8.8 | —/8.9 | —/8.6 |
| Adaptability | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| to wrapping | ||||
| machine Cutting | ||||
| property | ||||
| Breakage | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Wrinkles | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Restoration | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| after depressed | ||||
| with finger | ||||
| TABLE 2 | |||||
| Comp. | |||||
| Comp.Ex.1 | Comp.Ex.2 | Comp.Ex.3 | Ex.4 | ||
| Resin | ionomer {circle around (2)} | ionomer {circle around (3)} | ionomer {circle around (4)} | ionomer |
| {circle around (5)} | ||||
| Working method | T-die | T-die | T-die | T-die |
| Reactivity | ◯ | ◯ | X | X |
| with anti- | ||||
| fogging agent | ||||
| Cutting | ◯ | ◯ | X | X |
| property of | ||||
| film | ||||
| Appearance of | ◯ | ◯ | X | X |
| film | ||||
| Hygroscopic | X | X | ◯ | ◯ |
| property of | ||||
| pellets | ||||
| Tensile stress | ||||
| 50% | —/— | —/— | —/— | —/— |
| (MD/TD) 100% | —/— | —/— | —/— | —/— |
| [MPa] 200% | —/— | —/— | —/— | —/— |
| Adaptability | — | — | — | — |
| to wrapping | ||||
| machine Cutting | ||||
| property | ||||
| Breakage | — | — | — | — |
| Wrinkles | — | — | — | — |
| Restoration | — | — | — | — |
| after depressed | ||||
| with finger | ||||
According to the present invention, an ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/(meth)acrylic acid ester terpolymer containing a (meth)acrylic acid ester in an amount within a predetermined range or an ionomer thereof is used for a film for stretch-wrapping. Therefore, the film for stretch-wrapping exhibits a large tensile stress in the machine direction, excellent mechanical properties and excellent adaptability to stretch-wrapping.
That is, the film breaks little during the wrapping, can be favorably torn off in the transverse direction, intimately and favorably adheres onto the walls of the container that is to be wrapped, and favorably restores after depressed and deformed as a result of wrapping.
The resin for forming the film is produced by the direct polymerization of the above-mentioned three components, has a homogeneous composition, can be favorably molded into a film and can be favorably worked. Besides, the film for stretch-wrapping that is formed is homogeneous even optically, exhibits less external haze and excellently permits the content to be seen through.
Even when the ionomer is used as a resin for forming the film, the gelling tendency is suppressed when the anti-fogging agent is blended, exhibiting excellent appearance and hygroscopic property.
Thus, the film for stretch-wrapping of the invention is useful for wrapping sea foods, meats, vegetables, fruits and daily dishes placed on or contained in the plastic trays.
Claims (13)
1. A film for stretch-wrapping formed of a resin composition containing, as a chief component, an ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/(meth)acrylic acid ester terpolymer that contains not more than 7% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid ester unit, wherein the forming of said film is effected according to T-die cast method and the film has a stress in a machine direction (MD) of said film within a range of from 20 to 40 MPa when the film is stretched by 100%, and a ratio (MD/TD) of stress in the machine direction to the stress in a traverse direction within a range of from 2 to 8 when the film is stretched by 100% in each of said directions and having a film thickness of 5 to 20 μm.
2. The film for stretch-wrapping according to claim 1 , wherein said terpolymer is the one that contains less than 5% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid ester unit.
3. The film for stretch-wrapping according to claim 2 , wherein said terpolymer is the one that contains from 5 to 20% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid unit, and not less than 0.1% by weight but less than 5% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid ester unit.
4. The film for stretch-wrapping according to 3, wherein said terpolymer is the one that contains from 8 to 15% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid unit.
5. The film for stretch-wrapping according to claim 1 , wherein the alkyl group of the (meth)acrylic acid ester has from 1 to 10 carbon atoms.
6. The film for stretch-wrapping according to claim 1 , the film further containing an anti-fogging agent or a tackifier.
7. A film for stretch-wrapping formed of a resin composition containing, as a chief component, an ionomer obtained by ionizing with an alkali metal, an ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/(meth)acrylic acid ester terpolymer that contains not less than 5% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid ester unit, wherein the forming of said film is effected according to T-die cast method and the film has a stress in machine direction (MD) of said film within a range of from 20 to 40 MPa when the film is stretched by 100%, and a ratio of the stress in machine direction to the stress in a traverse direction within a range of from 2 to 8 when the film is stretched by 100% in each of said directions and having a film thickness of 5 to 20 μm.
8. The film for stretch-wrapping according to claim 7 , wherein said terpolymer is the one that contains from 5 to 20% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid unit, and not less than 0.1% by weight but less than 5% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid ester unit, and the ionomer has an ionization degree of 0.1 to 30.
9. The film for stretch-wrapping according to claim 8 , wherein said terpolymer is the one that contains from 8 to 15% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid unit.
10. The film for stretch-wrapping according to claim 7 , wherein the alkyl group of the (meth)acrylic acid ester has from 1 to 10 carbon atoms.
11. The film for stretch-wrapping according to claim 7 , the film further containing an anti-fogging agent or a tackifier.
12. The film for stretch-wrapping according to claim 1 , wherein the film has a stress in a machine direction (MD) within a range of from 25 to 40 MPa when the film is stretched by 100%.
13. The film for stretch-wrapping according to claim 7 , wherein the film has a stress in a machine direction (MD) within a range of from 25 to 40 MPa when the film is stretched by 100%.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/958,499 US20050049378A1 (en) | 1999-04-09 | 2004-10-06 | Film for wrapping |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP11103239A JP2000290393A (en) | 1999-04-09 | 1999-04-09 | Packaging film |
| JP11-103239 | 1999-04-09 | ||
| PCT/JP2000/002276 WO2000061663A1 (en) | 1999-04-09 | 2000-04-07 | Film for wrapping |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/958,499 Continuation US20050049378A1 (en) | 1999-04-09 | 2004-10-06 | Film for wrapping |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| US6833420B1 true US6833420B1 (en) | 2004-12-21 |
Family
ID=14348901
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US09/719,086 Expired - Fee Related US6833420B1 (en) | 1999-04-09 | 2000-04-07 | Film for wrapping |
| US10/958,499 Abandoned US20050049378A1 (en) | 1999-04-09 | 2004-10-06 | Film for wrapping |
Family Applications After (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/958,499 Abandoned US20050049378A1 (en) | 1999-04-09 | 2004-10-06 | Film for wrapping |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US6833420B1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1095095B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2000290393A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2334726A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE60024034T2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2000061663A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2015199750A1 (en) * | 2014-06-26 | 2015-12-30 | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Ethylene acid copolymers, their ionomers, and their use in packaging films and injection molded articles |
Families Citing this family (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001040116A (en) * | 1999-05-24 | 2001-02-13 | Mitsui Chemicals Inc | Polyolefinic stretch film |
| TWI227717B (en) * | 1999-05-24 | 2005-02-11 | Mitsui Chemicals Inc | A polyolefin stretch film |
| JP4786839B2 (en) * | 2001-09-20 | 2011-10-05 | 電気化学工業株式会社 | Stretch film manufacturing method |
| JP4846189B2 (en) * | 2003-04-21 | 2011-12-28 | 三井・デュポンポリケミカル株式会社 | Film for stretch wrapping |
| US20060105126A1 (en) * | 2004-11-16 | 2006-05-18 | Kendig Terrance D | Heat sealable antifog film materials |
| EP1814730A1 (en) * | 2004-11-16 | 2007-08-08 | E.I. Dupont De Nemours And Company | Heat sealable lidding materialwith anti fog |
| JP5587336B2 (en) * | 2008-12-31 | 2014-09-10 | イー・アイ・デュポン・ドウ・ヌムール・アンド・カンパニー | Ionomer composition with low haze and high waterproofness and article containing the same |
| JP5360152B2 (en) * | 2011-07-28 | 2013-12-04 | 大日本印刷株式会社 | Decorative sheet |
| JP2018178122A (en) * | 2017-04-20 | 2018-11-15 | 住化積水フィルム株式会社 | Cold shrinkable film and package |
| CN111866670B (en) * | 2019-04-24 | 2022-04-22 | 歌尔股份有限公司 | Vibrating diaphragm for miniature sound generating device and miniature sound generating device |
| CN111866669B (en) * | 2019-04-24 | 2021-11-16 | 歌尔股份有限公司 | A vibrating film and a micro sounding device for a micro sounding device |
Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1991016376A1 (en) * | 1990-04-24 | 1991-10-31 | E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Film for packaging fresh food |
| EP0521426A1 (en) * | 1991-07-05 | 1993-01-07 | BASF Aktiengesellschaft | N,N'-hexamethylen-1,6-bis-erucamid containing thermoplastic polyolefin moulding composition |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2642583B2 (en) * | 1993-05-11 | 1997-08-20 | 信越ポリマー株式会社 | Stretch packaging film |
| EP0664317A1 (en) * | 1994-01-19 | 1995-07-26 | Du Pont De Nemours International S.A. | Deodorized thermoplastics |
| JP3393925B2 (en) * | 1994-06-21 | 2003-04-07 | 三井・デュポンポリケミカル株式会社 | Thermoplastic resin composition |
-
1999
- 1999-04-09 JP JP11103239A patent/JP2000290393A/en active Pending
-
2000
- 2000-04-07 US US09/719,086 patent/US6833420B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-04-07 DE DE60024034T patent/DE60024034T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-04-07 CA CA002334726A patent/CA2334726A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-04-07 WO PCT/JP2000/002276 patent/WO2000061663A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2000-04-07 EP EP00915417A patent/EP1095095B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2004
- 2004-10-06 US US10/958,499 patent/US20050049378A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1991016376A1 (en) * | 1990-04-24 | 1991-10-31 | E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Film for packaging fresh food |
| EP0521426A1 (en) * | 1991-07-05 | 1993-01-07 | BASF Aktiengesellschaft | N,N'-hexamethylen-1,6-bis-erucamid containing thermoplastic polyolefin moulding composition |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2015199750A1 (en) * | 2014-06-26 | 2015-12-30 | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Ethylene acid copolymers, their ionomers, and their use in packaging films and injection molded articles |
| KR20180086541A (en) * | 2014-06-26 | 2018-08-01 | 이 아이 듀폰 디 네모아 앤드 캄파니 | Ethylene acid copolymers, their ionomers, and their use in packaging films and injection molded articles |
| US10377840B2 (en) | 2014-06-26 | 2019-08-13 | E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Ethylene acid copolymers, their ionomers, and their use in packaging films and injection molded articles |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP1095095A1 (en) | 2001-05-02 |
| US20050049378A1 (en) | 2005-03-03 |
| EP1095095B1 (en) | 2005-11-16 |
| DE60024034T2 (en) | 2006-07-27 |
| CA2334726A1 (en) | 2000-10-19 |
| DE60024034D1 (en) | 2005-12-22 |
| WO2000061663A1 (en) | 2000-10-19 |
| JP2000290393A (en) | 2000-10-17 |
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| AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DU PONT-MITSUI POLYCHEMICALS CO., LTD., JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:YOSHIKAWA, KENICHI;KAMIKUZU, AKIRA;REEL/FRAME:011615/0041 Effective date: 20010226 |
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Year of fee payment: 8 |
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| LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
| STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
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| FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20161221 |